CORTEZ, COLORADO
In the little more than half-century of its existence, Cortez Lodge has grown from 16 members signing the dispensation to a membership of 189. During this time the town has grown from an out-of-the-way village to the center of oil and uranium workings.
After the charter was issued on November 22, 1909, the Lodge was constituted and the officers installed by M.W. Bro. Jethro C. Sanford.
For several years the financial struggles of the Lodge were the main concern of the members. While the treasury was never filled to overflowing, the response to requests for donations was very good, as shown by the minutes of May 5, 1909, when dues in the amount of $12 were paid and donation receipts amounted to $244.
During these early years the Lodge would be opened and closed on all three degrees. The lack of degree work brought a pleasant and satisfying interlude; the study and discussion of the Book of Constitutions. The members were proud of their knowledge of the ritual and made strict demands of the candidates – their proficiency had to be of high order.
One interesting story of learning the Fellowcraft degree concerns a brother who learned while on horseback, as a member of a Federal posse in pursuit of a Paiute Indian wanted for murder. This is said to have been the last time the Federal government dispatched armed forces against the Indians.
The lodge is justly proud that the late John R. Clark, P.G.M., received his degrees in Cortez Lodge.
Thanks to the early endeavors of the original Townsite Company of Cortez, which in 1880 erected a large two-story stone building in the center of the business district, the Lodge from its inception was comfortably housed. In 1954 a new and attractive temple was constructed in an easily accessible location and the long occupied quarters in the business building were vacated.
